In a bid to bolster sustainable poultry farming and elevate economic prospects for women in Bauchi state, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation distributed 6,000 5-week-old Noilers, along with 300 bags of feed and 30,000 grams of multivitamins to 300 women. The initiative, aimed at promoting independence, resilience, and economic empowerment, was lauded during the distribution ceremony by Oludare Odusanya, the general manager of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation.
Odusanya, addressing the gathering, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency among poultry farmers. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has actively supported federal and state governments in agricultural development programs, channeling over 2 billion naira to aid rural smallholder farmers across Nigeria. Represented by Engr. Sadiq Maina Waziri, Odusanya expressed the foundation’s pledge to extend its impact, aiming to benefit smallholder farmers in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory over the next decade.
“We understand the challenges our community faces, and that is why we are dedicated to investing in initiatives that make a real and lasting impact. Our commitment extends beyond this initial distribution, as we will also provide ongoing support, sensitization, and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of this project,” he affirmed.
Waziri appealed for continuous collaboration from the state government to achieve the set objectives of the project. The Bauchi State Commissioner of Agriculture, Prof. Simon Madugu Yalams, commended the British American foundation for supporting vulnerable women. He highlighted the substantial investments made by the state government, under Governor Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir, in the agricultural sector to enhance the economic status of citizens. The commissioner assured the government’s readiness to sustain partnerships for meaningful development.
Idris Gambo, the overseeing program manager of BSADP, urged beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the Noila birds, emphasizing the importance of sharing the benefits with others. Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mrs. Rifkatu expressed gratitude for the foundation’s gesture and pledged to utilize the birds judiciously for personal and community benefit.
